Policing the police

I was with Senate President Koko Pimentel the other night, and he assured me the Senate would earnestly investigate the death of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos who was killed during a police operation in Caloocan City last week.

It is very clear that the public is demanding to know what really happened to the young man and the circumstances that led to his death.

Pimentel said the Senate majority has drafted a resolution that would direct the appropriate committee to conduct a probe to determine the accountability of the Philippine National Police in its conduct of the campaign against illegal drugs, and see whether the operations may have resulted in unnecessary deaths or unjustified killings.

The resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Senator Ping Lacson, whose previous experience as chief of the Philippine National Police makes him a perfect fit in leading the Senate investigation which is going to be very important in helping shed light on what really happened during the police operation in Caloocan.

While the primary purpose of Senate hearings and investigations is “in aid of legislation” – meaning they seek to find out whether new laws or amendments to existing laws are needed, people have also seen how shrewd questions from our legislators can showcase inconsistencies or loopholes in the versions of people involved or implicated in certain issues being investigated.

In fact, the Senate has been instrumental in exposing all kinds of anomalies and corrupt practices involving government officials, resulting in trials and convictions for those implicated. The findings from such hearings and investigations have served as catalysts in the filing of appropriate criminal charges against people deemed to be accountable, especially since the facts unveiled can provide useful insights for government prosecutors in arguing the cases before the courts.

The case of Kian de los Santos has sparked public outrage with accusations the police summarily executed the boy, pointing to the existence of a CCTV footage showing someone being dragged by two men. Witnesses have also come out claiming the boy even pleaded for his life before he was shot to death.

On the other hand, there are also those who believe in the cops’ version of the incident, saying there is the possibility the boy may have been involved in the illegal drugs trade as a courier. Some also argue that the CCTV footage does not clearly show the identity of the person being dragged by two men. Many are appealing for politicians not to use the death of the young man to advance whatever political agenda they may have.

As the Senate resolution stated, we must strengthen our institutions that keep our society safe under the rule of law to eradicate the culture of impunity, at the same time taking to task the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service – the body tasked to investigate erring policemen – for being “sluggish in investigating cases and has found mitigating circumstances even where not seemingly justified.”

Earlier, the Philippine National Police relieved those who were involved in the death of the 17-year-old high school student. The Department of Justice has also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation, through director Dante Gierran, to conduct a parallel probe and file appropriate charges as evidence may warrant.

The people deserve nothing less than the truth, and many hope the Senate investigation will help point towards that direction – and show the rest of the world that we are a nation of laws, and that democratic institutions continue to work in this country.

The future of Mercedes-Benz

I came across a very interesting item about the very recent unveiling of Mercedes-Benz’s latest concept vehicle at Pebble Beach in California. Called the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Cabriolet, the 20-foot long, two-seater car promises to be the most luxurious and grandest electric car in the future with its very sleek design and sharp features complemented by ultra high-tech concepts. One of the interesting features is also the front luggage area which can accommodate two suitcases and was exclusively created for the car model. The downside: You’ll have to wait until 2035 or beyond to get your hands on it.

The fact is, many countries are aggressively transitioning to electric cars, but major car manufacturers have been taking a wait-and-see attitude. According to recent data, more than two million electric vehicles are already on the road as of 2016 – an increase of 1,500 percent from 2005 – with a record number of 750,000 vehicles sold last year.

Norway is leading the way (in terms of market share) especially with generous subsidies and incentives from its government such as tax exemptions, free parking and no charges on toll roads. China, where pollution continues to be a major problem, has an estimated 650,000 electric vehicles – making it the top country as far as the purchase of electric vehicles is concerned. India on the other hand seems to be taking a leaf from China, with the government planning to electrify all vehicles by 2032.

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